The Jacksonville Jaguars are adding some serious spice to their 2026 training camp schedule. According to a report from ProFootballTalk on NBC Sports, the New Orleans Saints are set to hold joint practices with the Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Rams this summer. For Jaguars fans, that means a unique opportunity to see their team battle a top-tier NFC South opponent in a controlled, competitive setting before the preseason games even kick off.
This is the kind of offseason development that doesn't always grab national headlines, but it matters significantly for a team like the Jaguars, who are entering Year 1 under head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone. Joint practices have become the gold standard in the NFL for evaluating roster depth, building competitive toughness, and breaking up the monotony of camp. They offer something that even a preseason game sometimes lacks: full-speed, one-on-one and team-on-team work with another organization's schemes and personnel.
What We Know So Far
As of now, the specific dates and location for the Jaguars-Saints joint practices have not been officially announced by either team. The report, citing league sources, indicates that the Saints have scheduled joint sessions with all three opponents -- the Jaguars, Cowboys, and Rams -- as part of their summer itinerary. The Jaguars are scheduled to face the Saints in preseason action this year, which makes these joint practices a natural complement to that matchup.
Typically, teams schedule joint practices two or three days before their preseason game against the same opponent. So we can reasonably expect the Jaguars and Saints to lock horns on the practice field sometime in mid-to-late August, likely in Jacksonville or at a neutral site, before meeting in game action a few days later. The Jaguars' full preseason schedule has yet to be released, but this report offers our first concrete clue about one of their key camp dates.
Why This Matters for the Jaguars
For a team undergoing a significant philosophical shift under a new coaching staff, joint practices provide invaluable reps. Coen, who came up through the offensive ranks and has a reputation for creative, modern play-calling, will get a chance to see his offense go against a Saints defense that has historically been aggressive and well-coached. The same applies to defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile and his unit, who will face a Saints offense that could feature some new wrinkles under their own staff.
The Jaguars' roster has seen plenty of turnover this offseason, and the depth chart at several positions is still taking shape. Joint practices offer a controlled but intense environment to evaluate players in competitive situations. Unlike preseason games, where players rotate in and out quickly and game plans tend to be basic, joint practices allow for extended periods of head-to-head work. Coaches can script specific situations -- third-and-long, red zone, two-minute drill -- and really test their players against a fresh opponent.
Consider the wide receiver room. The Jaguars have an intriguing mix of talent there, including Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Parker Washington, alongside newcomer Travis Hunter -- the two-way star who will be one of the most fascinating players to watch in camp. Going against the Saints' secondary, which has had its share of talented cornerbacks and safeties over the years, will be a quality measuring stick.
The defensive line also stands to benefit. With players like Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker setting the edge, and interior options like Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton, the Jaguars' front seven will face a Saints offensive line that is typically physical and well-schooled. These practices will reveal much about where the Jaguars' run defense and pass rush truly stand as they prepare for the new season.
A League-Wide Trend
Joint practices have become a staple of NFL training camps in recent years, driven by the collective bargaining agreement limiting full-contact practices and the desire to get the most out of every rep. Coaches across the league have praised the format for its ability to simulate game conditions without the injury risk of a full preseason contest. For the Jaguars, who have new systems on both sides of the ball, getting those high-quality reps against a non-division opponent is a smart move.
The Saints have been particularly active in scheduling these sessions, lining up three different teams -- the Jaguars, Cowboys, and Rams -- which speaks to their own desire for rigorous preparation. All three opponents present different challenges: the Rams bring Sean McVay's offensive creativity, the Cowboys have a potent offense led by a strong running game and dynamic passing attack, and the Jaguars bring a fresh, unpredictable approach under Coen and offensive coordinator Grant Udinski.
For the Jaguars, this also represents a chance to build some early-season chemistry. Joint practices require travel, coordination, and a professional mindset. The coaching staff will get to see how the team handles the logistical challenges and the mental focus required to compete against someone in a different jersey -- but without the full adrenaline of a game setting. Those are the kinds of intangible benefits that pay off in September and beyond.
What It Means for the Preseason Schedule
If the Jaguars and Saints hold joint practices, it almost certainly means their preseason game against each other will be treated with a slightly different approach. In years past, teams that hold joint practices often rest key starters for the actual preseason game, having already gotten their evaluation through the practices. Alternatively, some coaches use the game as a continuation of the work they started in practice, giving starters a series or two before handing it over to the depth chart.
Given that Coen is a first-time head coach, it will be fascinating to see how he balances these priorities. He'll want to get his starters ready for the regular season while also needing a clear picture of his roster from top to bottom. Joint practices could allow him to get the best of both worlds: evaluate the top players against a quality opponent in a practice setting, then let the younger players and roster bubble candidates battle it out in the preseason game itself.
Looking Ahead
The official announcement from the Jaguars or Saints should come within the coming weeks, likely alongside the full preseason schedule release. But for now, this report gives Jaguars fans a genuine reason to mark their calendars. Training camp is already a critical period for any team, and adding joint practices with a team like the Saints elevates the stakes even further.
For a franchise looking to turn the page on years of underachievement, every competitive rep matters. The Jaguars brought in a new front office and coaching staff with a clear vision: build a physical, disciplined, and adaptable roster. Joint practices with the Saints will serve as an early test of that identity. If the Jaguars hold their own against a Saints team that has consistently been in the playoff mix, it will be an encouraging sign for the season ahead.
We'll keep you updated as more details emerge, including specific dates, locations, and how the Jaguars plan to structure their camp around these sessions. For now, the message is clear: summer in Jacksonville just got a lot more interesting.
